Oct. 14 Newsletter: Murder rates drop to decade-long lows
Weather: A one-day heat wave sees temperatures reach 90 before dropping overnight.
On this date in 1994, five people are shot in Gilpin Court, as Richmond suffers its worst murder year on record.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University. As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Murders, shootings at lowest point in over a decade
Richmond murders and nonfatal shootings are trending toward the lowest totals in over a decade, according to data presented by Police Chief Rick Edwards Tuesday.
“We’ve only had that a few times over the last 10 years, and it’s always been the winter months,” he said.
Police partly attributed the decrease to the seizure of 213 guns this summer as part of Operation Safe Summer. Last year’s initiative saw police seize some 250 firearms.
As EDA told Squirrels to vacate Diamond, officials gave VCU the option for new lease
Richmond’s Economic Development Authority could end up with two ballparks leased to two different baseball teams amid an ongoing feud over the Diamond District development project.
The new lease would presumably be a backup plan if VCU and the Squirrels owners continue to be unable to reach a deal to have both teams play at the new, publicly financed ballpark. Read more here.
YWCA partially reopens Sprout School as parents call for a board investigation into operations
One week after the YWCA’s Sprout School at Second Presbyterian Church closed due to understaffing, the school has reopened its doors, but teachers and parents critical of the organization continue to call on its top leadership to take action addressing what they say are longstanding issues.
The school’s closing followed a daylong teachers' strike last Monday. Read more here.
Mayor, police chief say they hope to find ‘middle ground’ on automatic license plate readers
Three days after announcing Richmond won’t renew its automatic license plate reader contract with Flock Safety at the end of June, Mayor Danny Avula said he hopes the city can come up with a path forward that balances the public safety benefits of the controversial cameras with privacy concerns.
Avula said he'd be open to a Virginia-based system that kept its information inside a closed network. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
VCU Class of 2030
The Class of 2030 brings together students from a variety of communities, cultures and experiences, each contributing distinct perspectives, talents and ambitions. They come from different places and are pursuing different paths, but they have one thing in common: They are Rams, ready to shape what comes next and build futures that are unlimited.
Here’s a snapshot of the first-year class:
- 4,520 students from 38 states, including Virginia, as well as 77 countries.
- 40% are first-generation students.
- 60% of the class are starting with some college credit.
- Richmond City Council scales back 2015 financial transparency law over privacy concerns
- Officials had stopped publishing the so-called payment register in 2019 after concerns it was taking up too much staff time and putting the city at risk of accidentally exposing sensitive or confidential information.
- With more growth on the horizon, Chesterfield opts to level capacity between old and new schools
- With the new West Ridge High welcoming students in 2027, that school, plus neighboring Midlothian and Cosby high schools, will have roughly the same capacity: 73%.
In other news
- Henrico Tomorrow grant program set to relaunch in 2027 (VPM)
- This program, which began in 2024, offers reimbursement grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for the renovation of qualifying aging or vacant office properties.
- Richmond Flying Squirrels named 2026 MiLB Organization of the Year (CBS 6)
- The award recognizes the overall achievements of an MiLB club demonstrating excellence across all business functions and in baseball operations.
- Lucky AF restaurant finally opens in Forest Hill after two-year wait (Axios Richmond)
- The "Boujie AF" roll has tempura lobster topped with filet mignon and four kinds of caviar ($22.30).
The editor's desk
A shout-out to one of our summer freelancers, Libby Mercer, who broke the big news on Monday that JMU is leaving the Sun Belt athletic conference. Like VCU basketball, the Dukes seem to have lofty goals for their football program.
Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org
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